A detector system for SPIDR, A mission to perform spectroscopy and photometry of the IGM's diffuse radiation

Jonathan S. Lapington; Supriya Chakrabarti; Timothy A. Cook; Robert F. Goeke; J. C. Gsell; V. T. Gsell

doi:10.1117/12.459828

24 February 2003 A detector system for SPIDR, A mission to perform spectroscopy and photometry of the IGM's diffuse radiation

Jonathan S. Lapington, Supriya Chakrabarti, Timothy A. Cook, Robert F. Goeke, J. C. Gsell, V. T. Gsell

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4854, Future EUV/UV and Visible Space Astrophysics Missions and Instrumentation; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.459828
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The primary goal of the Spectroscopy and Photometry of the IGM's Diffuse Radiation (SPIDR) Mission is to detect and map the huge filamentary structures, the "cosmic web", predicted to be present in the IGM. The SPIDR instrument comprises six imaging spectrographs providing 8° x 8° and 2.5° x 2.5° high-resolution spatial maps of IGM features in the OVI and CIV wavelength bands. For simplicity and economy all six spectrographs utilize virtually identical detector systems. Each detector records a two-dimensional image whose axes represent spectral and one-dimensional spatial information, the second spatial axis being obtained by tomographic reconstruction. We describe the design of the prototype detector built for the SPIDR mission. The detector uses a conventional microchannel plate (MCP) arrangement with a charge division readout anode used in the image charge configuration. The image charge technique provides enhanced resolution, linearity and stability in a more compact mechanical design. The predictable distribution of the induced image charge footprint has allowed us to accurately simulate the readout performance in software. The conservative requirements of the SPIDR spectrograph allow the use of a conventional wedge and strip anode which benefits from the design improvements generated using our software simulation. Redesign of the boundary electrodes has enabled us to improve overall linearity and increase useful imaging area. We describe the integrated electronics system for the SPIDR prototype, designed for low mass and power consumption. A single printed circuit board is used to house analog signal processing, digital processing, and power systems.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan S. Lapington, Supriya Chakrabarti, Timothy A. Cook, Robert F. Goeke, J. C. Gsell, and V. T. Gsell "A detector system for SPIDR, A mission to perform spectroscopy and photometry of the IGM's diffuse radiation", Proc. SPIE 4854, Future EUV/UV and Visible Space Astrophysics Missions and Instrumentation, (24 February 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.459828

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available